Understanding how the physical properties of materials affect cell behavior
Official title: Leveraging protein-engineered biomaterials and bioorthogonal chemistries to elucidate the role of non-elastic matrix properties in regulating cell fate
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10939499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the environment around our cells affects their behavior, which could help us understand how to improve healing and treat diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154913-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to tissue regeneration or diseases influenced by cellular mechanics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular mechanics or tissue regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells respond to the mechanical properties of their environment, particularly focusing on the extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds them. By creating advanced biomaterials that can mimic these properties, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that influence cell functions such as adhesion, migration, and division. The approach involves using engineered systems that can independently control various mechanical parameters, allowing for a clearer understanding of how these factors affect cellular behavior in health and disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained about tissue regeneration and disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for tissue regeneration and better understanding of disease mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular responses to mechanical properties, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madl, Christopher Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Madl, Christopher Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.